Developmentally Speaking - 9th Edition : Water scarcity and sustainability challenges in the global South

Lieu : ESSEC Campus Afrique, Bouknadel

Since 2021, the Policy Center for the New South, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Bank have launched the initiative “Developmentally Speaking”. This initiative consists of a series of collective reflections on the major challenges of sustainable development, aiming to examine lasting transformations, whether positive or negative, and their impacts on the agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The “Developmentally Speaking” debate platform is designed for youth and is organized in collaboration with various partners to address the concerns of young people and the general public. It aims to stimulate a rich debate on the lessons learned from recent crises that have affected progress toward the SDGs.

As part of this effort, the ninth edition of “Developmentally Speaking”, organized in partnership with the NGO Atlas for Development, will focus on a critical topic: water scarcity and sustainability challenges in the Global South. This edition will explore the social, economic, and environmental impacts of water shortages, particularly in the MENA region, and discuss strategies for building resilience in the face of climate change.

The MENA region is already experiencing the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, declining rainfall, and prolonged heatwaves. These changes have exacerbated water scarcity, threatening agriculture, food security, and socio-economic stability. With projections indicating worsening water stress by 2040, the region faces significant challenges in managing its limited water resources while ensuring sustainable development.

By bringing together researchers, experts and entrepreneurs, this edition aims to propose concrete recommendations for addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable practices. The goal is to strengthen resilience, foster regional cooperation, and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs in the face of growing environmental challenges.